Mistakes kill the Chiefs from the outset against the Giants

It was a beautiful day in Kansas City, but the weather was the only thing going the right way for the Chiefs today.  From the opening kickoff which was fumbled away by Jamaal Charles to a methodical Giants team that pounded out over 150 yards on the ground and effectively moved the ball through the air, the Chiefs were of little match for the NFL’s best team at the moment.  Kansas City fell to 0-4 and New York went to 4-0 with a 27-16 victory.

Charles fumble led to a New York TD.  Eli Manning to Steve Smith for a 3 yard score and 7-0 lead.  KC cut it to 7-3 with a Ryan Succop 34 yard FG following a Tamba Hali sack and forced fumble and that was the on;y scoring in the first quarter.

A controversial personal foul call on Jerrod Page early in the 2nd quarter for hitting Smith in the head while breaking up a pass set up the next score.  Replays showed a legal shoulder to shoulder hit by Page.  Manning made KC pay when he hit Smith on the next play from 25 yards out on a pass over the middle to make it 14-3. 

An interception of Manning by Brandon Flowers off a deflection halted one Giant drive, but Kansas City couldn’t capitalize.  In fact other than some solid running from Larry Johnson, the Chiefs could do little offensively for most the game.  For the second week in a row the New York defense was outstanding.  KC was held to 3 first half first downs and less than 100 yards in total offense.

Manning led a final two minute drive of 81 yards for a 25 yard Lawrence Tynes field goal to end the half with a 17-3 lead. 

Needing any break they could get, Chiefs coach Todd Haley attempted an onside kick to start the second half, but New York recovered and Tynes ended up hitting a 40 yard FG for a 20-3 lead.  Later, he missed a 38 yarder.

Manning suffered a non contact injury to his right foot early in the 4th quarter.  While stepping forward to throw he jumped off his plant foot like he’d hurt his achilles.  He stayed in the game and next play tossed a short pass to Hakeem Nicks who turned it into a 54 yard touchdown run and a 27-3 New York lead.

After inspection, the Giants medical staff reported Manning had a bruised heel.  He didn’t return to the game and finished with 292 yards, three TD’s and a pick.  

Kansas City scored their first TD midway through the 4th quarter and the Giants gave up their first in seven quarters when Cassel capped an 11 play 48 yard drive with a one yard TD Pass to Sean Ryan. A two point conversion attempt failed. 27-9.

A 43 yard pass from Cassel to Ryan set up a 2 yard TD pass to Bobby Wade on 4th down and KC cut the lead to 27-16 with just under 5 minutes to go.

That was where it would finish.  27-16 New York.  Smith had a huge day for the Giants with 11 receptions for 134 yards and two TD’s.  Jacobs had 87 yards on the ground Bradshaw 64.

The Giants defense held KC to 232 yards in total offense.  Larry Johnson had 53 on the ground.  Cassel 127 in the air.  Most of that in the 4th quarter.  The bright spot for KC was their fourth quarter play and two TD’s even though it was too late and didn't matter.  The big concern for the Giants is what is Eli Manning’s condition.  He’s started the last 75 straight game for New York.

For Todd Haley, it's a steep hill ahead.  "We're probably worst case scenario right now."  Yep, it is.